Welshman Steve Bray has put his life on hold to protest against #brexit | https://t.co/KaV9cM2dZd pic.twitter.com/xcQSSw42Nd
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 11, 2018
Steve Bray is better known by his alter ego – Mr Stop Brexit.
The 49-year-old's signs protesting against Britain's departure from the European Union are a regular backdrop to news footage shot outside parliament, as are his loud cries of "Stop Brexit", aimed at politicians inside.
For the past 15 months, the Welshman has made it his mission to stand outside Parliament each day its members are in session, making sure his message gets across.
He began his Stand of Defiance European Movement protest in September 2017, leaving his Port Talbot home for London. He says he stands outside parliament from 10am until 6pm.
While Brexit supporters are also regularly seen outside the building, Mr Bray has become especially well-known for his tactics.
He attaches banners reading "We want a people's vote" or "Stop this Brexit Mess" to long poles to ensure they can be waved in sight of the recording cameras inside raised broadcast tents – sometimes having to jump over fences to get in the right position.
Political reporters and local workers recognise him and he says he has spoken with more than 70 parliamentarians.
Mr Bray has put his job as a self-employed numismatist on hold, and says he lives "as cheaply as possible", with supporters offering him hot drinks, food and rent-free accommodation.
He also receives "the odd private donation here and there".
And when will Mr Stop Brexit end his campaign and leave London?
"Oh, I don’t like the word leave. Go, go. When will I go? I will be here for as long as it takes to stop Brexit, if need be reverse Brexit. How long is a piece of string?"
